Government-Issued ID Copy Apostille in Reading

Government-Issued ID Copy apostille in Reading: Legalise your official document for use abroad through the FCDO's Legalisation Office.

Government-Issued ID Copy Apostille

Hague Member

Document type Government-Issued ID Copy

Competent authority The Legalisation Office (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office)

Standard turnaround Up to 25 working days, plus postage

Express turnaround Next working day (registered businesses only)

Information validated 19 August 2026

Complete Guide

Apostille for a Government-Issued ID Copy from Reading

How to get a government-issued identification document copy apostilled for use abroad from Reading.

In this guide

Apostilling a Government-Issued ID Copy from Reading
Getting your ID copy certified correctly
Where the apostille is issued
Fee structure and processing times
Translation and international acceptance

Apostilling a Government-Issued ID Copy from Reading

When you need to use a copy of your identification document abroad, such as a passport or driving licence, some authorities require proof that the copy is genuine. That proof comes in the form of an apostille, which is a special certificate attached by the government office designated for this purpose. The process involves several steps, starting with ensuring the copy of your ID is properly made and certified. A government office must first verify that your copy matches the original identification document you present to them. The certified copy then needs to be processed through legalisation of a Government-Issued ID Copy in Reading before the apostille can be issued.

Getting your ID copy certified correctly

The first step to prepare your identification document copy involves getting it certified by an appropriate authority. In the United Kingdom, notaries and certain other public officers can confirm that your copy matches the original. Although the specific requirements vary, this certification is usually done in person so the verifier can inspect your original document. The certified copy serves as evidence that the duplicate matches your original ID exactly. This step is essential because without proper certification, you cannot proceed to get an apostille for a Government-Issued ID Copy in Reading or elsewhere in the country.

Where the apostille is issued

All UK apostilles, including those for certified copies of identification documents, are processed by The Legalisation Office, which is part of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. This office operates solely by post from its Milton Keynes address, with no public counter available for walk-in services. The only way to submit your papers is by sending them through the postal service to PO Box 6255, Milton Keynes MK10 1XX. For those in Reading who need to obtain a fresh certified copy of their identification document, the Reading Register Office on Bridge Street can assist. You can order copies from this local office rather than risking your originals in the mail.

Fee structure and processing times

The current cost for apostilling a Government-Issued ID Copy in Reading follows standard UK government rates for the service. The Legalisation Office offers different processing speeds depending on whether you are a registered business or an individual. Regular postal service involves the standard fee per document, while businesses enrolled in the official service can opt for next-day processing at a reduced rate per document. The total time from posting your papers to receiving them back includes both the office's working days and the postal delivery times in both directions. No same-day service is available, so plan accordingly if you have a deadline.

Translation and international acceptance

Since the apostille process for a Government-Issued ID Copy in United Kingdom only verifies the certification, you may still need a certified translation if the receiving country requires documents in a different language. The legalisation acts as an international formality but does not overcome language barriers. When arranging translations, you must ensure that both the original certified copy and the apostille remain attached to the translated version. Some countries have specific rules about whether documents should be translated before or after the apostille application. Understanding these details early in the process helps you prepare the correct sequence of steps for your particular situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Government-Issued ID Copy apostille FAQ

What exactly is an apostille for a Government-Issued ID Copy from Reading?

An apostille is a certificate that authenticates your ID copy for international use in countries that are part of the 1961 Hague Convention. When you get this stamp, it confirms that the copy of your ID is a true reproduction of an official document issued in Reading. The FCDO Legalisation Office in Milton Keynes handles all UK apostille requests by post. They will examine your ID copy to ensure it meets their requirements before applying the apostille. This process makes your document legally valid in over 120 countries that recognise the Hague Convention.

Where do I get my ID copy certified in Reading before applying for an apostille?

For a certified copy of a passport or other government-issued ID, you can visit a solicitor or notary public in Reading. The Reading Register Office offers certification services for certain official documents at their Civic Offices on Bridge Street. They will make a photocopy of your original ID, stamp it as a true copy, and sign it to confirm its authenticity. Remember that the apostille must be applied to a certified copy, not the original document. This means you can keep your original ID safe while the certified copy goes through the apostille process.

How long does the entire process take from start to finish?

The timeframe includes both document certification and the apostille application. Getting your ID copy certified in Reading typically takes a few days, depending on the certifier's availability. Once you post your documents to the FCDO Legalisation Office, standard processing takes up to 25 working days. Registered businesses can access a next-day service for their applications. Remember to factor in postal transit times both ways, as all applications must be sent to Milton Keynes by mail. Many people forget to allow time for the initial certification step, which can delay the whole process.

What are the most common reasons for rejection of an ID copy apostille?

The FCDO Legalisation Office may reject applications for several specific reasons. Common issues include submitting an uncertified copy instead of a properly certified one, or sending the original ID instead of a certified copy. Other problems include incomplete application forms, missing signatures from the certifier, or unclear copies that obscure important details. The office also requires that all documents in languages other than English or Welsh be accompanied by a certified translation. To avoid delays, double-check that your certified copy clearly shows all security features and personal details from the original document.

Do I need to send my original passport or ID card with my application?

No, you should never send your original passport or ID card through the post for apostille services. The correct approach is to use a certified copy of your identification document. A solicitor or notary public in Reading can create this certified copy by making a clear photocopy, marking it as a true copy, and adding their professional stamp and signature. This certified copy is what you'll send to the FCDO Legalisation Office for the apostille. The process protects your original document from potential loss or damage while still providing the necessary verification for international use.

How It Works

Four steps to your government-issued id copy apostille

No office visits. We handle your Reading government-issued id copy remotely with real-time tracking.

Prepare your document

Obtain the original document (or a certified copy) you need to use abroad, and check whether it must be notarised first.

Confirm the requirements

Verify the document is eligible for an apostille.

Submit to The Legalisation Office

The apostille is issued by The Legalisation Office, the competent authority. The government fee is £45 / document (standard postal); £40 / document next-day (registered businesses).

Receive your apostille

The authority attaches the apostille certificate, making the document valid abroad with no further embassy legalisation.

Where to go

Where Reading documents are certified and apostilled

These are two different offices doing two different jobs. The local register office issues the certified copy of a Reading birth, marriage or death record — check its current appointment rules before going. The apostille itself comes from the FCDO Legalisation Office, the UK's single competent authority, which accepts documents by post rather than in person.

Reading Register Office

Certified copies of civil records (birth, marriage, death)

Civic Offices, Bridge Street, Reading RG1 2LU

Directions →

FCDO Legalisation Office

Issues the apostille — UK-wide, by post

PO Box 6255, Milton Keynes MK10 1XX

Directions →

Document Types